I subscribe to several motorcycle related email lists and periodically the topic of what to carry on a ride comes up. Aside from the pocket knife, cellphone and pager that I always carry. I probably bring more than most people because a) I ride an old machine and b) I split it between tankbag and toolkit.

Tankbag: * EZ-Pass * coins, a few dollars worth. * extra ear plugs * SPF-30 sunblock * road maps, usually two or more states * bundle of small zip ties * bundle of large zip ties * CO2 inflater * extra CO2 cartridge * flashlight, plastic using AA batteries * (2) AA batteries * butane lighter * bungee cords * electronic tire gauge * adjustable wrench * ibuprofen or tylenol * non-drowsy decongestant * eye drops * reflective vest * spare headlamp bulb * alcohol handwipes * mylar “space blanket” * (2) chemical heat packs * clean rags

Toolkit * replacement fuses * headlamp bulb * auxiliary bulb * spark plug spare * home-made continuity tester using an extra auxiliary bulb and alligator clips * vise grips * pliers * large adjustable wrench * set of metric combination wrenches * assortment of metric and SAE combination wrenches * multi-tip screwdriver * black electrical tape, 1 roll * duct tape, half roll * three feet of clear plastic siphon tubing (”Jersey Credit Card”) * chain lube * WD-40 * Honda spray cleaner * quart of 10w30 oil * canteen of water * three dollars in quarters in a film cannister * rags * dobie bag (scrubbing sponge) * bungee net * bungee cords

I have to get or replace a few things: tire repair kit, safety or sun glasses, a spare clear visor for helmet, some go-joe hand cleaner packets, bandaids, a sparkplug socket, a ratchet.